Is Loud Snoring Bad? (And What You Can Do About It)
Snoring happens when soft tissues in the throat, such as the uvula and soft palate, vibrate during sleep, creating an all-too-familiar sound, which can range in loudness from barely audible to so disruptive it keeps the whole house awake.
If your (or your partner’s) snoring has recently become noticeably louder, you’re probably wondering whether you have any reason to worry. Maybe this change in pitch is your wake-up call.
What Causes Loud Snoring?
Loud snoring is caused by stronger vibrations of the soft tissues in the throat during sleep, which can product more intense sound.
While almost everyone snores loudly now and then, frequent loud snoring can be the early sign of sleep apnea. In case you’re not familiar: sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which the upper airways become blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing.
Sleep apnea severity is commonly measured using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Research has shown that snoring intensity can be correlated with AHI, meaning louder snoring is sometimes associated with more severe sleep apnea.
Why Loud Snoring Can Be a Bad Sign
Because loud snoring can indicate severe sleep apnea, you may be at greater risk of health problems associated with this illness if you snore loudly.
That’s because sleep apnea causes disrupted sleep and lower-than-normal blood oxygen levels. A lack of restful sleep in itself results in physical and mental consequences that can affect the whole body. Untreated, it places great strain on your health, putting you at greater risk for:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Weight gain
However, snoring not caused by sleep apnea — called primary snoring — shouldn’t be overlooked either. Beyond disrupting a bed partner’s sleep, some studies suggest that chronic heavy snoring may be associated with carotid artery disease, a narrowing of the arteries in the neck that can increase stroke risk.
What to Do About Loud Snoring
Most snoring is easy to control with simple snoring solutions. If you’ve noticed that your partner’s snoring has become disruptively loud — or if you’ve been accused of the same — consider doing the following:
Lose weight
Snoring and sleep apnea are more common in people who are overweight. That’s because extra body fat in the neck can narrow the airways. However, not all snorers are necessarily overweight.
Change your sleeping position
Snoring is loudest in the supine position. Sleeping on your side could make your snoring less loud. While it is hard, training yourself to change your sleeping position is possible.
Avoid sedatives before bed
Alcohol, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytics can all lead to loud snoring in habitual snorers. If possible, take your medication at other times of the day and avoid drinking before hitting the sack.
Treat nasal blockages
Allergies, upper respiratory infections, smoking, and a deviated septum can all make it difficult for you to breathe through your nose. Address these issues if they’re a primary cause of your snoring, i.e. by ceasing smoking, using decongestants, or investing in an air humidifier.
Try snoring mouthpieces
Oral appliance therapy is a recognized treatment approach for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. Clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine generally recommend custom-fitted, titratable oral appliances provided under the supervision of qualified dental and medical professionals, as these devices have the strongest supporting clinical evidence for the treatment of OSA. While non-custom and over-the-counter oral appliances are available and may offer a more accessible, convenient, and economical option for snoring reduction, there are currently no over-the-counter oral appliances cleared by the FDA specifically for the treatment of sleep apnea. Individuals who suspect they may have sleep apnea should consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance regarding appropriate treatment options.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.The Good Morning Snore Solution is marketed and FDA-cleared as an aid for reducing snoring in adults 18 years of age and older and is not marketed as a treatment for sleep apnea or other medical conditions. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you may have sleep apnea or another medical condition. References:
